From the Miami Herald: "Ask Haitian artists what single element best describes Haitian art and most will agree: It's the colors.

'There are different styles, different messages and many ideas that come from our heart . . . but when we draw from inside we all draw from the colors of our history,'' said Arlene Magloire of Pembroke Pines.

Magloire is one of 14 Haitian artists with works on display through June 6 at Pembroke Pines City Hall's Glass Gallery, 10100 Pines Blvd. (Miami)

The exhibit is called Art of the Haitian.

'Some artists may be afraid to mix two opposite colors, but for us, we are very bold, we mix things up,' Magloire said.

She even mixes cultures. Magloire's works reflect African, Mexican, Caribbean and Native American influences.

'We are the Haitian diaspora. There is a little aboriginal in all of us,' she said.

In rich, earthy and brilliant shades of the rainbow, all of the nearly 100 pieces represent a range of emotions and styles as diverse as the artists themselves, said artist Regine Mercier of Lauderhill.

Mercier paints in classic strokes described by some as neo-expressionism and by others as impressionism. Always, though, her human faces are somewhat cubist and painted with her signature V-shaped nose.

Famous Haitian artist Wilfrid Daleus, whose works grace the homes of such notables as Sen. John Kerry, uses electric color to bring joyful life to Haitian market scenes, street festivals and dancing, dancing, dancing.

'They call my style 'Daleus happy colors,' ' said Daleus, who owns the Daleus Museum & Art Gallery in North Miami, of his friends and fans.

Other Haitian artists on display include Ally Playe and Franklin Belizaire, both of Miramar. They are among six painters presented by Le P'tit Club art, an entertainment and cultural organization led by president Jimmy Moise in Miramar.

Glass Gallery curator Benoit Menasche, who also serves as chairman of the Pembroke Pines Art and Culture Advisory Board, said the show honors National Haitian Heritage Month."